FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS || INTRODUCTION LOG

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals and Native OCs) When: April 11th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: For the first time in 10 years, outworlders have been found the Dream Width. This unprecedented number of new arrivals are rescued and brought to Vaikuntha, and must now try to start adjusting to their new home. Warnings/Notes: All players can put up a toplevel. Please post to the NPC toplevel if you have an IC question for them. ARRIVAL [ You wake from your dreams, from your memories, on a narrow cot. There are fleeting impressions- recycled air, humming machinery, movement, strangers waking around you. The room you wake in is lined with cots, with barely enough space between them to walk to the door. The makeshift infirmary is becoming uncomfortably warm, packed to its capacity with people. Stepping out, there is a lobby space that bears the signs of having once held some furniture, now cleared away to make space. Even with the sparse accommodations, the space quickly fills to standing-room only. As the automatic door slides shut on the infirmary, a light flashes on the far side of the room. A flickering holographic projection of a man’s face and gloved hand appears projected in the space above the arrivals’ heads. He backs up so his upper body is in frame for the recording. An arm, covered in the same orange flightsuit sleeve, hands him a tablet. The man begins to read. A written version of the message scrolls along the bottom of the projection as he speaks. ] ’Welcome travelers’… That’s way too formal. Hey everyone. Hi! [ The second man leans into the frame to add his greeting. ] Don’t panic. You were floating out there, but we pulled you in and rescued you. Yeah, we’re heroic AND handsome. And also the only ones crazy enough to come out here to get you. [ A woman’s voice calls from out of frame. ] Can you two be serious for ONE moment and stick to your scripts? [ The two men give each other a conspiratorial eyeroll. This does not appear to be their first take. ] Anyways, no need to panic. Seriously, don’t do anything reckless. We got our fill of that with Skywalker. [A huff is heard offscreen, and the men finally spare the tablet another glance.] ‘Your pilots will be navigating treacherous environs as this message plays…’ Claire, seriously? Nobody talks like this! [ The tablet is tossed to the side and lands with a thunk offscreen. ] We’re gonna wing it. Look, everyone, we’re workin’ hard to get you planetside safely, and it’s gonna take some tricky flying to do it. So the door to the cockpit is locked so we can focus on not getting us all killed. Don’t try to open it, unless you want to be stardust. We promise you’ll get answers about what’s going on once we land. But for now, please trust us. Right now, we’re your only hope. [ The second man leans forward, close to the recording device, and presses a button. The projection freezes for a moment, and then the message starts to play again. ] ’Welcome travelers’… CURTI CENTER [ Finally after hours of flight, you arrive at the Curti Center. The other NPCs await you along with the Native OCs. Cid gives a short and to the point welcome speech, explaining what the situation is: you were lost in a space called the Dream Width. You are now on a planet called Vaikuntha: for ages, the people of this world have used Airships to rescue people lost in the Dream Width, with one person being found roughly every ten years. No one knows why this happens, but this has been a mutually beneficial exchange, with the people from Vaikutha rescuing people lost in the Dream Width and the rescued ones sharing their wisdom with the people of Vaikuntha. Ten years ago, something unusual happened: two people were found at once, Biggs and Wedge. But that was nothing compared to what happened today. Indeed, here you are. No one knows why such a large number of people has been found at once, but the Curti Center is a place dedicated to piercing the Dream Width's secrets. Cid also introduces the other ones: his assistant Jessie, Claire, the woman looking at the group in horror upon being pointe out as the bookkeeper, Kupoto and Mogaruru, their Mognet representatives and finally the Native OCs: those brave and kind souls who have accepted to help you all on a daily basis. After Cid finishes (and Claire despairs at the pile of paperwork she must complete by the end of the week), the Native OCs provide a tour of the facility and help the newcomers navigate their future lives. Now is the time to ask questions and look over pamphlets regarding locations, Jobs, life in Vaikuntha... ] [ If you want to contact an NPC specifically during this introduction, please respond to the toplevel with the name of the NPC in the subject header. The mods will try to reply at least once a day for each NPC. ] A BALL OF FLUFF NAMED MOOGLE [ It has been a long day, perhaps now you would like to find your way to a place to sleep? Or perhaps you'd like to get some answers, but you can't be bothered to go seek people out? And lo, just as despair begins settles in, a Moogle slams into you! Or stops by your side if their aim is decent... It's the Moogle Cid mentioned in his speech earlier! And they'll be informing you that now, they will stick to you like your shadow and help you in anyway they can! They're also giving you your iMog Slate- Now you can get onto Mognet! Isn't it great? ] A QUICK CHECK-UP [ Whether it's your Moogle, Native OCs or NPCs, all will urge you to stop by the hospital wing for a basic check-up. You may disagree, but listen. You've just been thrown into a space between worlds, rescued, and brought to another world. For your own sake, that's a good idea. Should you give in and go (or should you be dragged by your Moogle or a Native OC), you will find yourself in the cold and white space very reminiscent of an hospital. For characters with specific medical conditions necessitating help, this is where they will receive it if asked. The doctors and nurses are all White Mages or Chemists, with various levels into their Job as well as medical knowledge. Don't mind the confused looks if you look like nothing they've ever seen before... It's hard for a doctor to be unable to give a proper diagnosis to a patient! For everyone else though, they'll be let go with smiles and be given a candy as they leave. No one likes medical check-ups, but it's a very quick and basic one: testing reflexes, taking your temperature and the likes. On the bright side, while you're grumpily sitting on a bed with a thermometer on your forehead or in your mouth, it might be a good time to socialize with your fellow new arrival who's having lights flashed into their eyes by a doctor. Misery loves company, after all. ] A BAD OMEN [ Wandering around, you may stumble upon an old and tired-looking moogle wearing what can only be described as a decrepit fortune-teller attire. Upon seeing you, or any of the new arrivals for that matter, he will slowly approach and tell you all the exact same speech. ] If you stay here, you're doomed. She will find you and make you suffer hell. [At which point his eyes will grow exorbitant.] This world is cursed. You will die and never be free. [And finally he'll fly right into your face.] Never! [ Then he will leave and go say his speech to someone else, without doing anything but repeating different variations of his warning if asked for details. Should you ask your assigned Moogle, Biggs or Wedge, they will mention this crazy moogle can't be reasoned with and sometimes stick around the center, even though he's always chased away. He never says anything besides doomsday predictions. For unknown reasons, he's always been particularly nasty with Biggs and Wedge... And with you as well now, it seems. ] PRETTY SIGHTS [ There's plenty of rooms to wander about in, with several points of interest apart from the offices. The Airship Hangar is where the airships are kept and the first room you entered. Workers keep guard to prevent the outworlders from getting too close to the vehicles. Airships are expensive and they don't want you messing with them, after all. Venturing into the Research Section, you can walk through public exhibitions on astronomy, airship design, and asterisk studies. A good place to get used to the basic science of this world. The laboratories lie behind a thick locked door with a sign reading "EMPLOYEES ONLY". No going there, for now anyway. Not too far from there are the Employee Quarters - work stations, apartments, and lounge areas. The latter are available to the public, whereas the rest is locked to Native OCs. But if you get them to be friends with you, perhaps they'll let you visit? Also open to all is a Cafeteria - a standard food court with stalls serving all types of Vaikunthan cuisine. The Chef is a very jovial and absent-minded Hypello. Beware of long lines and crowded tables. Should you prefer open spaces, then the gardens are for you! There are different sections in the gardens around the center. One boasts a wide array of blooming flowers, another more practical with herbs commonly used in Vaikunthan cooking. One had been cultivated for butterflies and hummingbirds to visit. Paths have been laid through so that visitors can safely navigate, and moogles will swoop down and shout at anyone who strays into the flower beds. Or perhaps, you want to wait till the sunset. Dusk on a new world, but a beginning of a new life... The sea shines bright in the orange light. A good moment for quiet contemplation. ] HOUSING [The housing accommodations are the best the Curti staff could provide, given the sudden and unexpected number of arrivals from the Dream Width. The keys have been entrusted to the moogles who will be guiding the new arrivals. The new arrivals can stop by the Curti Center storage room to collect some essential supplies that have been donated by charity organizations from around the world (there are boxes of toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste sent from the Zora, hair brushes from the Elezen, quick-drying towels from the Hypello, among the various donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets), before heading to their temporary homes. The people of Vaikuntha have done their best to provide for their new neighbors and help them get on their feet. Still, things will be a little cramped until the off-worlders can find employment and move into better housing. The staff hopes they can get along with one another until alternate arrangements can be made. You can survive living with roommates for a few months, right?]

Comments

[regalblaze]

Considering that he had been upstairs the entire time, he wasn't surprised that he didn't hear the knocking. Ignis heard the commotion only when he made his way downstairs. Nyx got lucky- he could've been waiting outside for a while. He does feel bad for almost closing the little moogle outside.

He follows after him, arms crossed as he tries to comprehend the situation. First, it was Lord Clarus, now it was Nyx. They heard the report that he had passed and those scars don't come from living nice and healthy life.

"Correct," Ignis confirms shortly. They only briefly met at the Citadel but never got to talk to each other a lot. Never had the need to, really. But he did know he was hardworking and dedicated to the King so... he's not sure how he's going to take the information about Lord Clarus being here.

"Prince Noctis is here as well," Ignis says, "as well as Prompto Argentum. Also," his eyes glance at the stairs and then he looks back at Nyx, "Lord Clarus Amicitia." No sign of Gladio...

[nyxmare]

He would have either found a way in or become much louder. The option of chasing Malbo down was a distant third as a solution. The Moogle seemed perfectly capable of playing keep away for quite a long time if need be.

The coat came off, finding its way flopped across the couch. It still smelled of fire and a bit of blood. He wondered if there would be much purpose to washing and repairing it. There was no real need for it here.

"He is?"

That drew Nyx's attention, his head snapping around. He knew about Clarus but Noctis here as well?

"I met Clarus at the infirmary, but I didn't know the Prince was here." The worry was written as clear as day in his expression. If Noctis was here then what was going on back on Eos?

[regalblaze]

Trying to break into the house would end up in Ignis probably attacking you in some way. And that is not the way they should start off this living together thing.

"He is," Ignis says slowly, the worry and distress matching Nyx's. Things that happened to him, to them- they got completely out of control by the time they reached Altissia. It is one thing to keep a low profile when they don't have a permanent place of staying, but when they reached the residence of Tidemother, it was as if they had entered battle arena.

"He is alright, for the most part." But some other people that were involved weren't...

[nyxmare]

Well, if Ignis wanted to be pinned down that badly then a fight can certainly happen at some point. But starting off on the wrong foot had already happened once today. no need to do it again.

Nyx had reached the point of so much information his head was starting to hurt. He needed to get proper food, water, painkillers probably. He's already moving towards the kitchen, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What's here to eat? Please say something that isn't cup noodle."

He was not a fan. It wasn't real food to him

[regalblaze]

A fight is certainly not what he was looking for. Especially not with someone who is more than just an ally to them.

Ebony was the one to follow after him first, with Ignis following close behind. They are stuck here, they have enough time to talk about everything that happened to them.

"Unfortunately, only preserved food," Ignis says as he opens the fridge and Ebony opens the cabinets.

"Peanut butter is not a noodle," he states, trying to pull out a big jar of peanut butter. Ignis is next to the moogle in an instant- two more seconds and that peanut butter would've been on the ground.

"It also doesn't classify as food," Ignis says and flicks his moogle's forehead. Then turns to Nyx, "I have arrived only hours ago and we still don't know or have the currency of this place." No shopping has been done. So...

"I'm afraid all I can offer you is peanut butter and jam sandwich and cup of instant coffee."

[nyxmare]

Nyx had started to reach towards the moogle to help but Ignis reached him first. He accepts the jar from the man, setting it with a thump on the counter. It was unfortunate they lacked any fresh food but there was nothing to be done about it at the moment. Nyx would head out to find work in the morning.

Or at least, would head out as soon as he was able to. He wasn't sure how much longer they were meant to idle here. He wondered as well how difficult it would be to actually get a job in this place, having just appeared out of nowhere.

"It's food enough for me right now. I've lived on less."

Nyx glances at Ignis, raising a brow.

"You don't need to make anything for me. I'm a grown man. I think I can handle a sandwich and some instant coffee."

He at least has a small crooked smile on his face. If he needed help doing this much then it was a bigger wonder how he had not died sooner.

[regalblaze]

How did he end up with a clumsy moogle? Or rather 'so excited it could lead to disaster' moogle? Hopefully Ebony doesn't try to help him cook later because, with how things are looking, it will end up cooking himself in the pot.

Ignis isn't sure what they should do either, or what is expected of them to do in return for being saved because he doubts this will stay and be -free-. But right now, he's too tired to even briefly think about it.

Ah. Right.

"Apologies," Ignis says with a small smile and places the jar with jam on the counter. "It is a habit." While the guys wouldn't die and could make cup noodles, anything else past that is for Ignis to handle so he more than easily just falls back into the role of resident cook.

"I want coffee myself, so I don't mind making some for you as well."

[nyxmare]

Nyx felt the need to be prepared for what was to come. The fact that he shouldn't even be here was layered two fold in his case so not being prepared could leave him dead again sooner than he wanted to be.

He accepts the jar, cracking it open to start prepping his rather slim meal. Still, any food right now would feel good. He hadn't eaten for some time before he died then woke up here. It took a little bit for his appetite to catch up to him but now he was starving.

"That's fine." He waves the knife lightly. "But otherwise, you don't need to keep that habit with me. You aren't a servant to me."

Nyx wasn't high enough rank to start with, but on a more practical level, it just wasn't his style. Servants were for royalty and the rich.

[regalblaze]

None of them shouldn't be here. They should be back on Eos, begging the Astrals to help them out. Except for Ramuh, no one was very eager to lend them a hand. Ignis has a lot of questions he can't voice.

Ignis' appetite is none existent at the moment, but he doesn't mind preparing food for the others. In fact, he doesn't mind preparing food in general. He prepares mugs for the coffee and shakes his head.

"I do not mind cooking for one more person." Cooking is something he ended up enjoying after all. "I like cooking so I wouldn't mind making a meal for five instead of four."

[nyxmare]

Everything that was happening on Eos was out of Nyx's control. He was having a hard time admitting to it and accepting it but he was coming around slowly to focusing on what he can do instead of what he can't. It was difficult, considering he was a man of action.

"For five? Are you not cooking for yourself then?" He closes the jars up and takes a moment to wash the knife he'd been using. "Because this house is supposed to have six people."

He smirks, turning to lean against the counter, one arm tucked across his abdomen and the other raising the sandwich to his mouth.

"Or are you hoping someone else will cook for you in return? I don't mind, but I hope you don't expect fancy gourmet."

[regalblaze]

..Six people. Okay, his moogle didn't update him on that. Ignis leans back to look at Ebony, who looks guilty and then just sighs.

"Six people is even better actually. The recipes are usually written for four or six people." He pours the hot water into the mugs for their instant coffee and hands one over to Nyx.

"To be perfectly honest," Ignis says after taking a seat and a sip of his beverage, "I feel utterly terrified if someone else is cooking." Because he knows for the fact that the guys can't cook further than boiling water for cup noodles. And even that ended up in disaster once- Noct dozed off while waiting for water to boil and the stove burned through the bottom of the pot.

"Besides, this is my hobby. I like cooking."

[nyxmare]

Nyx accepts it, smirking slightly. He doubted Ignis would have any real trouble making changes to a recipe to fit his needs. And if he couldn't, which seemed unlikely, then it would mean leftovers. He was sure that leftovers or larger portions would offend anyone in this house.

He moves to sit across from Ignis, splaying out a bit in his usual manner.

"I used to run a bar. We served food there too. I promise I'm not too bad of a cook. But like I said, nothing fancy or gourmet like you're probably used to in the Citadel."

He doubted Ignis would actually be opposed to regional cuisine just because it wasn't done up fancy but Nyx also had no issue with teasing the man for all his posh bearing.

"It's a good hobby to have. Better to enjoy a necessity in life than to suffer it."

[regalblaze]

There are hardly ever leftovers. And when there are, they end up being scarfed down overnight (two, night birds that like to play video games until dawn like to snack).

Well, this is an interesting information. He chuckles:"Gourmet food usually includes tastefully prepared vegetables. Something that our Royal line is extremely picky about. So- what gourmet food are we talking about here? Burgers? Noodles?"

And no, he would never be opposed to regional cuisine. It just meant more recipes and more new spices and dishes.

"I'm curious about this bar of yours. What did you serve there?"

[nyxmare]

"I assumed you were all about tastefully plated caviar with a sprig of parsley to offset the color and add aroma or something equally superfluous." Nyx had seen some of the plates coming out of the kitchens. They always looked strange to him.

This instant coffee made his lip curl a little. It tasted particularly bitter. Nyx enjoyed black coffee well enough but something was always off about instant. Is this really what they decided to give everyone here?

"We served drinks mostly."

He might have smirked as he brought the cup back to his mouth to suffer another sip of terrible coffee.

"As for food though, we usually served grilled skewers. In particular was malbo smul, it's a standard dish. Meat skewers, dipped in gree-"

"You named me after food?!" Malbo was standing in the kitchen doorway, giving Nyx such a fierce look.

Nyx turns in his seat, raising his brow at him.

"No, technically I named you after Little Malboro, which is a cartoon character. The fact it's also the name of a food is just amusing coincidence."

He then had to duck a thrown coaster. Malbo storms away, little wings buzzing in irritation.

"You know, I think the moogle doesn't like me."

[regalblaze]

"Every person that knows even a little about cooking knows that there are foods beyond just caviar and fine wines out there," Ignis says with a small smile. He doesn't mind the taste but he would choose shrimp over it any time of day (less expensive, more filling and just as tasty).

Ignis didn't mind bitterness, but this particular brand was awful. He's not sure if it is because it's stale or overly roasted. Or both. Still, it beats -no coffee-.

"Sounds like nice, casual hang out place," Ignis says, leaning back in the chair. If their circumstances were a bit different- if world's circumstances were a bit more different, he wouldn't mind paying it a visit. So many 'what if's' floating around.

The yell from Nyx's moogle makes Ignis look over and then glance at his own, who looked confused. And then-

"Why did you name me Ebony, kupo???"

Ignis opens his mouth to answer but then clears his throat. Definitively not after coffee, what are you talking about.

"Ebony is a type of dense hardwood. I thought it fits you."

"?"

Case in point.

[nyxmare]

Nyx's only skill outside of being a Glaive was bartending. Perhaps that could be where he ended up in this world. A quiet bar, on the shores of the sea or a lake. Just enjoying the days as they come and get to know people. Full adaptation and integration into this society.

Nyx props his elbow on the table, hand covering his mouth as he looks at Ignis try to explain to the moogle what he supposedly was named after. The Glaive didn't think for a second that he was actually named after dense hardwood.

"...So, he's a little...?"

He heard the irritated wing fluttering again and he looks over his shoulder. Malbo was peeking around the corner. There was a glint in his eye.

"I didn't say anything."

"You're both rude!"

"What-? How am I involved in this one? Ignis is the one who named Ebony after something... befitting."

Malbo puffs his cheeks out and Nyx could almost see how red his face was getting under his fur. This would be a very bad time to laugh so he quickly puts the coffee cup back to his mouth.

[regalblaze]

Well, there was the influence of everything when it came to naming his moogle. Ebony just seemed to fit the most.

The moogle seems confused at Malbo's outburst and floats over to Ignis.

"I don't know why he's angry, but I like my name, kupo!" He twirls, "I match Ivory! and then flies out of the room as well.

...so long as he doesn't bring the entire drawer with utensils because he wants to help with cooking, Ignis is fine. Ignis turns back to Nyx, shifting to sit more properly and clears his throat.

"As you can see."

[nyxmare]

"It's pretty perfect, I can definitely see that." Nyx might have said it in a low tone, wanting to avoid agitating the angry little moogle further.

"This place doesn't seem that big if there's going to be six people here. Who's doubled with who? If need be, I have no issue with taking the couch."

He had no doubt that out of the six of them, Clarus, Ignis and he would probably be the ones up the earliest and that meant Nyx would hardly be bothered by remaining in a common area.

[regalblaze]

The comment is followed by a soft chuckle. Ignis is glad that Ebony isn't very temperamental like Malbo. That would... end up really bad.

"There's no need for you to take the couch, the rooms can accommodate all of us," Ignis says after taking another sip of the coffee.

"Noct and Prompto decided to share the room. Miss Cindy will have room for herself, of course, as well as Lord Clarus. That would leave us sharing the room." Pause. "If you do not mind the arrangement, of course."

Ignis is an early bird and very organized, so... Nyx might've gotten best roommate there is.

[nyxmare]

Nyx wasn't surprised by the rooming choices. CLarus had well earned a private room and a lady deserved a private place. Not that he overly recognized the name but perhaps he would see her in short order and be able to place a face to the name.

"I've no problem with it. It's doubtful we'll be in each others' way often, if at all."

Surely their schedules would fall in sync easily. Nyx wasn't a fan of these close accommodations but it was free and beggars couldn't be choosers. Once he was settled he could find a place of his own and get away from the cramped setting this house would no doubt result in.

[regalblaze]

Ignis is an early riser so that could be the only thing that might bother Nyx. When they camped, Noctis would just sleep through everything in the morning and would remain in the tent if they don't drag him out.

"I have a habit of getting up early," even when he doesn't have to, "but I will try to keep the noise to a minimum."

He's not sure how all of this will eventually turn out, but Ignis has no intentions of leaving this place- unless it is completely necessary. Basically, for Ignis, nothing has changed - he still intends to stay by Noctis' side. Especially now when they don't even have their powers.

[nyxmare]

"Good, I get up early too."

He smiles slightly. There were people in the Kingsglaive that had their moments. It took some awhile to adjust to the schedule but most adapted. Unfortunately, that didn't mean they were morning people. Just awake in the morning.

"I doubt I'll stay here for too long though. It seems pointless to remain in one place. Going home isn't an option for me but if finding a way for the rest of you to go home is in this world then I might as well start looking for it."

[regalblaze]

Ignis nods. That was great to hear- one person less to worry about waking up and disturbing in the morning. Prompto probably wouldn't have any trouble getting up early but Noct is a different story altogether.

"Hmmm..." the advisor looks thoughtful for a moment. Would taking separate paths be wise? Or moving houses? Unless this place wasn't given to them as a permanent residence.

Then again, Nyx is not bound by duty anymore so he is free to do as he wishes. Ignis can't say anything against that.

"We will all look for a way back," Ignis nods shortly as thanks. "You are, however, always welcome to stay. Unless you want a place just for yourself. That I understand."

[nyxmare]

Nyx raises a brow at Ignis at his thoughtful hum. He wasn't sure what was going through the man's mind but he was sure that Ignis was thinking on options. He knew the man was well trained, raised within the Citadel to understand aspects of battle and politics.

"I know, I've just gotten used to living alone." He waves his now empty cup at Ignis as he stands to put it away.

"Outside of that, I feel like this is a bit close living quarters with so many people here. You three seem pretty adapted to living together, but I'm sure it'll feel cramped soon enough with six."

[regalblaze]

"Understandable," Ignis nods. And it is true, they somewhat adapted to a life in a very tiny tent when they cannot afford to stay overnight at a motel. But, this is the entirely different situation. Not to mention that their Shield isn't with them. It makes Ignis realize just what kind of pillar Gladio is within their group. Even without his abilities, he would've been still strong and have their backs.

"There is only one thing that worries me, I have to be honest," Ignis says, giving Nyx a serious look. "It will probably sound insensitive considering... everything that happened to you, but I really need to mention it, since you are considering on moving out." Not now but eventually.

"...No magic can bring back dead people," he says slowly, looking at Nyx. "Whatever brought Lord Clarus and you here- I doubt it had good intentions. Please, keep that in mind. And if you feel ill or anything off, don't hide it. It could be some kind of penalty for this revival... "spell"." Or whatever it is.